Downtown committee chairman visits RTA

Jim Rutland, Courtyard Square Association member, spoke to the Lampasas County Retired Teachers Association about Vision Downtown Lampasas! at the Oct. 2 meeting in the Lampasas ISD Board Room. Rutland, chair of the downtown task force, said merchants are working together to revitalize the square. A task force was formed, and Julie Johncox, president of JP Solutions of Fort Worth, was put under contract to advise on the project. Input was requested from entities in and around the city, and many good ideas came forth, said Rutland.

Mrs. Johncox suggested the task force be structured and organized to form seven committees to carry out designated plans. Committees include beautification and design, incentives, art, economic restructuring, marketing promotion, housing and economics, and organization and communications. Each committee has at least 10 volunteers and a chairman.

Possible projects include creating guidelines for building restoration, painting murals on buildings, standardizing hours of business on the square, putting utilities underground on Fourth Street in conjunction with a planned TxDOT project, additional signage, banners on light poles, hike and bike trails, downtown walking tours, gateways and public restrooms on the square.

What originally began as a project for the downtown area has expanded to encompass North Ave. to Sixth Street and Key Avenue to across the Fourth Street bridge.

After the presentation, Kay Gray Fox conducted the association's business. Chairmen gave reports. Mrs. Fox noted the dates of the District XII Fall Workshop.

Books for kindergartners were discussed, and that project will continue this year. Collections will begin at the next meeting.

Martha Green invited members to attend the Lampasas County Historical Commission's "Ghosts of Lampasas County" on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the courthouse.

Several members enjoyed a Dutch treat lunch at the Hostess House.

Next meeting is Nov. 6 at the LISD Board Room. Pastor Jerry Perkins of School Creek Baptist Church will give the program.